The above picture
represents an FBR, also called a Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) in the petroleum refining industry. This reactor system uses a fluidized catalyst to "crack" large gas oil molecules into smaller molecules. The system breaks apart larger C14 molecules into C4 and C8 molecules or into C5 and C7 molecules.

As there are tremendous advantages to using FBRs for processing, it is important to understand the fundamental concepts behind them. These next few pages will outline the concepts behind the fluidized bed process.

These links provide an overview of the fluid mechanics for packed beds and FBRs.